REFLECTION: Knowing that I do a fair bit of travel in my work as a conference speaker and seminar facilitator, a Pause reader recently wrote to ask me to share a few helpful travel hints.

Specifically, she wanted ideas for maintaining a healthy balanced rhythm of work and renewal when you are far away from your everyday routines and supports.

If you find yourself on the road from time to time – or frequently, for that matter – you might find some of these ideas helpful, too. If the challenges of travel aren’t part of your world, pass this message along to your trekking friends and colleagues.

ACTION: Seven tips for staying well on the go:

1. Call home. In my earlier travel years, calling home was optional, depending on time differences and convenience. Now, checking in is an essential daily event when either my hubby or I are on the road. Staying current in each others’ lives makes travel less lonely and re-entry much smoother.

2. Pack fruit and nuts. Almonds, cashews, apples, and dried apricots are my staples. With these at hand, I’m less likely to nosh from the vending machines in the evening.

3. Breakfast in your room. I pack Nutribars and eat those for breakfast along with in-room coffee rather than try to navigate the restaurant menu. When I go to a restaurant for breakfast, I end up ordering – and eating – way more food than I need.

4. Stretch. Breakfasting in the room saves a good half hour. I use the time I would normally spend in the restaurant waiting to order, waiting for food, waiting for the bill, to do yoga instead. The stretching keeps me from seizing up, and sets me up for the day.

5. Get a move on. After work in the late afternoon, I will dump my things back in the hotel room, and immediately head out for a walk. If I don’t get out there right away, I end up lounging on the bed – snoozing with the TV on – and ultimately scavenging for a late night meal.

6. Relax. Although I often take other work to do in the evening, I rarely feel like doing more work after a full day on my feet. So I treat myself: catch up on reading, watch TV, browse magazines, do my nails, and occasionally order up a movie that I’ve been meaning to watch. I’ve been known to access the room service option. That way I can kick off the shoes, and change into the casuals earlier in the evening – very comforting after a full day in working clothes.

7. Socialize. If I’m in a place where I have friends, I will sometimes arrange to have dinner or coffee with them so away time is not such a lonely proposition. If I find myself on Facebook at the same time as a friend, I’ll chat for a bit online.

Hope those ideas help. If you have travel balance strategies of your own, send them along and I’ll share them with the Pause readership.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Most travel is best of all in the anticipation or the remembering; the reality has more to do with losing your luggage.” – Regina Nadelson

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: If you are a frequent traveller – a road warrior, as it were – be sure to check out this movie: Up In The Air starring George Clooney. It will leave you thinking more deeply about the cost/perk ratio of a life on the road.

READERS WRITE: In response to an earlier message referencing indicators of overload, Pause reader AP writes: “Physical symptoms of overload such as fatigue combined with concern from others re weight loss may be a sign of a physical condition. If you sense that something is not right with your body, see a doctor and be persistent. Write down all symptoms even if they do not seem to be related. Doctors are busy people and don’t search beyond the obvious (quick) cause. “